Five sights, sounds and observations from Friday’s Purdue football practice:

• Friday was the first day in full pads, which brought out the Steeler Drill.

Three offensive players. Three defensive players. One quarterback. One running back. All in a confined space three yards from the end zone. All meant to showcase physicality and build toughness.

Freshman linebackers Gelen Robinson and Ja’Whaun Bentley did more than hold their own. Both shed blockers and made impressive hard-hitting tackles, preventing running backs from crossing the goal line.

“We thought they were good players, and we were right,” coach Darrell Hazell said.

• Even the specialists — kickers, punters, long snappers — lined up in the Steeler Drill. Let’s say it didn’t have the same impact.

• Your new left tackle — at least Friday — was Cameron Cermin.

The 6-foot-5, 303-pound Cermin spent the entire practice with the No. 1 offense. Jack DeBoef, who started camp atop the depth chart at left tackle, played left guard with the No. 2 offense. DeBoef has held his own in the run game, but needs to make improvements in pass protection.

Cermin won’t be the last new face at left tackle.

“We’ll bring some of those young guys along and figure out who are the best seven or eight offensive linemen in three weeks,” Hazell said.

• Running back Raheem Mostert nearly scored a 99-yard touchdown.

Starting at the 1-yard line, Mostert took the handoff, burst through the middle and headed outside. However, safety Landon Feichter tripped up Mostert around the 30-yard line.

• Two players who have the longest hair on the team — receiver Dan Monteroso and tight end Carlos Carvajal — are both injured. That doesn’t mean they’re not active.

The two were seen shadow boxing on the sideline as part of their workout. It’s not uncommon to see the injured players working harder than those on the field.